What is Fetal Ultrasound Test ? Procedure and Birth Defects detected

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What is Fetal Ultrasound Test ?

Fetal ultrasound test, also known as prenatal ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of a developing fetus in the womb. It is a common and non-invasive tool used during pregnancy to monitor the health and development of the unborn baby. The procedure is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a sonographer or obstetrician.

Here’s how fetal ultrasound test works:

• Transducer: A handheld device called a transducer is used. It emits high-frequency sound waves into the body.
• Sound Waves: These sound waves bounce back as echoes when they encounter different tissues. The transducer detects these echoes and sends the information to a computer.
• Image Formation: The computer processes the echoes and converts them into real-time images that can be viewed on a monitor.

Fetal ultrasound test can provide valuable information about the baby’s growth, development, position in the uterus, and overall health. It is commonly used for various purposes during pregnancy, including:

• Confirmation of Pregnancy: Confirming the presence of a viable pregnancy.
• Dating the Pregnancy: Determining the gestational age of the fetus.
• Monitoring Fetal Growth: Assessing the baby’s size and growth rate.
• Checking for Multiple Pregnancies: Identifying the presence of twins or more.
• Checking the Placenta and Amniotic Fluid: Assessing the health of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid.
• Detecting Birth Defects: Identifying structural abnormalities in the developing fetus.
• Gender Determination: Revealing the baby’s sex, if the parents choose to know.
• Guiding Procedures: Assisting in certain prenatal procedures, such as amniocentesis.

Fetal ultrasound is generally considered safe, and it does not involve radiation like some other imaging techniques. It is a valuable tool for prenatal care, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby throughout pregnancy.

How is Fetal Ultrasound done ?

Fetal ultrasound test is a straightforward and non-invasive procedure. Here’s a general overview of how it is typically done:

• Preparation: In most cases, there is minimal preparation for a fetal ultrasound. The mother may be asked to drink water before the exam to have a full bladder, as this can provide better visualization of the uterus.
• Positioning: The woman will lie down on an examination table, and a gel is applied to her abdomen. The gel helps to facilitate the transmission of sound waves and eliminates air pockets that can interfere with image quality.
• Transducer Placement: The ultrasound technologist or healthcare provider places the transducer on the abdomen and moves it around to obtain different views of the uterus and the developing fetus. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed early in pregnancy, especially if a more detailed or clearer image is needed.
• Image Acquisition: As the transducer is moved, it emits sound waves into the body. These waves bounce off the internal structures, and the transducer detects the echoes. The computer processes these echoes into real-time images displayed on a monitor.
• Visualization: The healthcare provider will examine the images to gather information about the fetus, including its size, position, movement, and overall health.
• Documentation: Images may be captured and recorded for medical records. Sometimes, a printout or images on a CD may be given to the parents.
• Interpretation: The healthcare provider interprets the ultrasound images and discusses the findings with the parents. This may include information about the gestational age, the baby’s growth, and any observed abnormalities.

Fetal ultrasound test is typically a painless and safe procedure. The duration of the ultrasound can vary, but it is generally completed within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the purpose of the exam. ( Know more about- What is Pediatric Liver Transplant ? )

How can birth defects be detected in Fetal Ultrasound ?

Fetal ultrasound test is a valuable tool for detecting certain birth defects or abnormalities in the developing fetus. However, it’s important to note that not all birth defects can be identified through ultrasound, and some may only become apparent later in pregnancy or after birth. The ability to detect birth defects depends on factors such as the type and severity of the defect, the gestational age at the time of the ultrasound, and the skill of the ultrasound technician.

Here are some ways in which fetal ultrasound can contribute to the detection of birth defects:

• Anatomy Scan: The detailed ultrasound examination performed around the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy, known as the anatomy scan or level II ultrasound, is a crucial stage for detecting structural abnormalities. During this scan, the healthcare provider carefully examines the fetus’s anatomy, including the brain, heart, spine, limbs, and other organs.
• Specialized Ultrasounds: In some cases, specialized ultrasound examinations may be performed if there are specific concerns. For example, a fetal echocardiogram focuses on the fetal heart, helping to identify heart defects. ( Know more about- What is Pediatric Cardiac Surgery ? )
• Early Ultrasound: In the first trimester, an early ultrasound may be performed to assess the overall development of the fetus, including the presence of certain markers that could indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• 3D/4D Ultrasound: While not typically used for diagnostic purposes, advanced imaging techniques like 3D and 4D ultrasound can provide more detailed images of the baby’s features, potentially offering additional insights into facial abnormalities.
• Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): If a specific genetic or chromosomal disorder is suspected, additional diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS may be recommended. These tests involve sampling the amniotic fluid or placental tissue for genetic analysis.

Understand that while the fetal ultrasound test is a powerful diagnostic tool, it has limitations, and not all birth defects can be identified through imaging alone. Get imaging tests and other tests done in full body checkups at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road Bangalore.